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Information scientist

Alternative titles for this job include Information manager, information officer, knowledge manager

Information scientists manage an organisation's information resources and make sure it's all readily available.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an information scientist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • through certification with a professional body

University

You could take a degree or postgraduate course approved by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Courses include:

  • information studies
  • information management
  • informatics
  • data asset management
  • library studies

Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive and you should try to get up to a year's work experience in a library or information services setting before you start.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You may be able to gain some of the skills and knowledge required to become an assistant information officer or an information manager apprentice, through a T Level in Management and Administration.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

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Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • Library, information and archive services assistant intermediate apprenticeship
  • Information manager higher apprenticeship
  • Archivist and records manager degree apprenticeship

There may be opportunities for this role in different sectors, like education, construction, engineering, health, transport or local government.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start as an assistant information officer or library assistant and work your way up by training on the job.

Other Routes

If you're already working in information science or management, you could have your skills and knowledge certified by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals to help with your career development.

Further information

You can find out more about working in information science from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • management skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • catalogue, classify and store paper and digital information
  • research and acquire new resources
  • make sure that information is accurate, up to date and secure
  • deal with research enquiries from colleagues, managers or clients
  • manage electronic information
  • make sure that information systems meet data protection laws
  • write reports, briefings and website content
  • manage an information budget
  • train colleagues how to use information systems
  • manage a team of information assistants

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you may progress into senior management. 

You could also become self-employed as an information systems consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Reading and Library Assistant

  • Wage: £7,503.60 Annually
  • Location: Portsmouth

Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprentice

  • Wage: £22,371.00 Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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